The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 138: Arms Import and Export Treaty

In order to better demonstrate the quality of weapons to the two envoys from the Island Nation, Hunter Steward purposely changed the discussion venue to the back mountain of the military factory, which was often used for weapon testing.

Because this mountain was often used for weapon experiments, the land on the mountain had long been baptized by shells and bullets, and there were no living animals or plants.

The large deep pits on the summit and the scattered pieces of iron and stone debris in the pits revealed the tragedy that had once occurred here.

Close to the mountainside, several square targets have been set up to test the power of the German rifles.

Heavy machine guns do not need these targets, as the bullets that roar out of them will tear these targets apart in an instant.

The summit is specifically used for measuring the position of artillery, and several brightly colored flags have been erected on the summit to serve as reference points for artillery aiming.

Accurately hitting the area near the flag and making the flag disappear in the explosion of the shells is a true aim at the target.

The weapons on display include the Gew98 Rifle, the German Maxim heavy machine gun, the 75mm Krupp smoothbore cannon, and the 105mm Krupp howitzer.

All these weapons and equipment have one thing in common – they are all from German military technology, which is currently being equipped by the German Army as excellent weapons.

There is no need to doubt German military technology. Although it is produced in Australia, the production technology comes entirely from Germany and is established under the guidance of German military industry experts.

These Germans are very rigorous and meticulous in their work, which has led to Australia’s military industrial production level inheriting this advantage, being meticulous in the production of weapons and equipment, and not allowing any shortcomings or errors to occur.

German weapons produced under these circumstances have virtually no difference from those produced by the German military industry, and the only difference may be the marked place of production under the gunstock.

The firepower of these weapons naturally meets the expectations of the Islanders. As the current active standard weapons of the German Army, the firepower of these weapons naturally does not need much imagination and are one of the most advanced weapons in the world today.

Especially the firearms produced by the German Krub Military Factory, their power is extraordinary.

After witnessing the entire weapon demonstration, the two envoys from the Island Nation became very excited and impatient.

Just on the way back to the Administrative Building, both men urged the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Hunter Steward several times to quickly sign the weapons export treaty and purchase a large number of armaments.

The export of German weapons is one of Australia’s key strategies and the most important consideration in World War I.

German weapons and equipment are not only reliable but also not very expensive. Moreover, the strong strength and reputation of the German Empire army have earned the admiration of many countries for German equipment. Many countries in history have equipped large quantities of German weapons during World War I and World War II, and some countries have even built so- called German-made divisions based on the German system.

They not only equipped the same weapons and equipment as the German Army, but even the instructors during the regular training were Germans and German officers.

Of course, such an army, completely replicating the German Army system, weapons, equipment and even training personnel, did not disappoint everyone’s trust and performed very well in the war.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford such a German-style army with a completely replicated system, weapons, equipment and even training personnel, and therefore the scale is small and cannot have a significant impact on the war.

However, this indirectly reflects the influence and shock of German equipment and the German Army on other countries in the world during this era.

This is also why Arthur chose to export German weapons and equipment. On the one hand, the German army has long been famous, and German weapons and equipment also have a significant influence on the world.

For Australia, which has just started to export weapons, this has many benefits. It can quickly increase the popularity of Australian weapons and quickly seize the market for weapons exports.

Of course, it is impossible to surpass the weapons export share of the powers in a short period. However, due to the increasingly fierce arms race among the powers, there is still a certain market size in some areas.

When the European powers are all involved in the tide of World War I, it will also be the opportunity for the Australian military industry to truly rise.

With a relatively complete system of British and German weapons, the Australian military industry has a certain lead in arms exports.

Isn’t it the best solution to be able to maintain one’s own national weapons and equipment system and solve logistics supply problems without replacing weapons and equipment?

Upon returning to the Administrative Building, Yukichiro Tamura could not wait to request an audience with Arthur from the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to quickly conclude the weapons import and export treaty between the Island Nation and Australia.

Since Arthur had already agreed to the export of weapons, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs did not waste time and reported Arthur’s request to the Island Nation.

On November 14,1902, Yukichiro Tamura and Toshiyuki Hirano finally met Arthur and could not wait to propose the weapons import and export treaty between the Island Nation and Australia.

In this era, German weapons and equipment are too attractive. In addition to the arms race and other factors, the weapons and equipment support provided by Britain to the Island Nation each year is not that much, which is why the Island Nation is eager to sign a weapons import treaty with Australia.

“Your Highness, the Duke of Australia, on behalf of the entire foreign mission and the Island Nation government, all the people of the Island Nation, I extend my sincere greetings to you and Australia,” Yukichiro Tamura respectfully and sincerely said to Arthur as soon as he saw him.

Arthur nodded his head and replied with a smile, “I heard from Hunter Steward that your country wants to purchase our German weapons and equipment, right?”

When Arthur asked the direct question, Yukichiro Tamura didn’t know how to answer at first. But due to the expectations of German weapons, he gritted his teeth and said, “Yes, Your Highness, the Duke. After seeing it in person, the German weapons and equipment indeed meet our requirements and are one of the most powerful weapon systems in the world. In order to better maintain the stability of our country and protect the interests of all Island Nation emigrants, we have no choice but to expand our military, which has also made our demand for weapons and equipment even greater. We have signed an alliance treaty with the British Empire, and we also believe that Australia, which has good relations with the British Empire, can establish good relations with us, which is why we came.”